RAPPORT
Definition: relation marked by harmony, conformity, accord, or affinity; the ability to get along well with others; close-knit
Quote:
• If you really want to get along with somebody, let them be themselves. — Willie Hugh Nelson (1933-2025) American singer-songwriter
• We don’t get harmony when everybody sings the same note. Only notes that are different can harmonize. The same is true with people. — Steve Goodier (1962-) American minister & Founder of Life Support System
JOCULAR
Definitions: (1) given to jesting; habitually jolly; merry; (2) containing jokes; joshing; sportive; playful; witty
Observation: A joke that makes fun of or belittles someone is no joke.
Poetry:
When the green woods laugh with the voice of joy,
And the dimpling stream runs laughing by;
When the air does laugh with our merry wit,
And the green hill laughs with the noise of it.
— William Blake (1757-1827) English poet
Quotes:
People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do. — Isaac Asimov (1920-1992) American writer
Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else. — Margaret Mead (1901-1978) American cultural anthropologist
Comment: It takes some discretion and tact to know when to interject some jocularity into a serious situation. It could be the best thing to break the tension and get people seeing things in perspective again, or it could be the most tasteless thing to do. It’s all in the timing, and reading the situation accurately.
Celebrated: USA Let’s Laugh Day is on March 19th.